Improvement in wash-boilers



S. CUV EY & U. A. SLAFTER.

I Was h Bnilers.

No. 138,738. PatentedMay13,1873.

AM PHOT0L m-msRA PH/c ca ux (ossanus's ma csss) UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE...

SMITH GOVEY AND OBREN A. SLAFTEB, OF MOHENRY, ILLINOIS.

IMPROVEMENT IN WASH-BOILERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 135,738, dated May 13, 1873; application filed March 3, 1873.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, SMITH OOVEY and ORREN AUGUSTINE SLAFTER, both of Mo- Henry, in the county of McHenry and State of Illinois, have invented a new, useful, and Improved Wash-Boiler, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, which will enable others skilled in the art to which my invention appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanyin g drawing forming a part hereof, and in which- Figure 1 represents an isometrical perspective of our improved boiler; Fig. 2, avertical central section of the same; and, Fig. 3, a vertical cross-section of the valve device detached.

Like letters of reference indicate like parts.

The object of our invention is to improve the construction and operation of that class of wash-boilers in which steam is employed as the chief agent in cleansing the clothes; and it consists in certain novel features relating to the means employed for that purpose, and hereinafter fully described and set forth.

In the drawing, A represents a wash-boiler of the class referred to. B is a false bottom, closely fitted and rigidly attached to the walls of the boiler. G is an opening in the bottom B. D is a valve-plate, arranged over the opening 0. E is an opening in the plate D. F is avalve-cap or canopy, arranged over the openin g E. G G are buttons pivoted to the bottom B, and lapping the plate D, so that the latter may be thereby firmly held in its position on the bottom B, and readily removed. H H are loops or guides attached to the under side of the plate D. I is a wooden valve or float suspended freely in the loops H H. The valve I is wedge-shaped, as shown in Fig. 3. The upper face of the valve I lies in a horizontal plane, and laps the rim of the opening E. J J are heavy wires or rods attached to the under face of the bottom B for the purpose of rendering it stiff and firm. K K are chambers extending through the bottom B, and arranged within the boiler at each end thereof. The chambers K K extend to, or nearly to, the top of the boiler. L L are perforations in and near the top of the inner wall of the chambers K K. M is a close-fitting cover; and N N are openings therein. 0 O are lids arranged on the cover M over the openings N N.

It will be observed, on reference to the drawing, that the boiler is square, or nearly so, the corners only being slightly rounded. It will also be observed that the chambers K K are good suds, and place it in the boiler below the 7 bottom B. We then pour the water in until it rises about half an inch above the bottom B. The plate D is then fastened on the bottom B. The clothes are then folded and arranged in the boiler until they reach a point about two inches. below the perforations L L. The cover is then arranged on the boiler, and the clothes are boiled briskly for thirty or forty minutes.

It will be perceived that the canopy 13 will prevent the clothes from interfering with the action of the valve device, and that the float I closes the opening E.

As soon as the water begins to boil the suds rise in the chambers K K, and are forced out through the perforations L L. The steam also escapes through the same perforations; and both the suds and steam are thus brought into contact with clothes which have absorbed a portion of the water, and have, on that account, risen somewhat in the boiler. The steam and water which escape from the perforations L L is absorbed by the clothes, and gradually settle to the bottom B; and, as soon as the water below the bottom B is sufficiently exhausted, the valve I leaves its seat, and the water on the bottom B passes through the opening E, and is again ejected from the perforations L L. A constant circulation through the clothes of steam and water impregnated with soap is thus kept up.

In case there is a tendency of the suds to-es- V cape over the edge of the boiler, this tendency may be prevented by opening one or both of the lids O O.

Having thus described our invention, what reclaim as new, and desire to secure by Leters Patent, isv 1 1. The combination of the single wall or case movided with the fixed false bottom B and the erforated flue K, the removable valve-plate provided with the canopy F and valve I, he cover M provided with one or more lids all constructed substantially as shown and lescribed, and for the purpose set forth.

2. Asteam wash-boiler, provided with a fixed 'alse bottom having an opening therein to admit of the chamber below the said bottom be ing cleaned, in combination with the removable cover D, arranged over the said opening,

and attached to the false bottom by means of the buttons Gr G, substantially as specified, and for the purposes set forth.

- SMITH GOVEY. O. A. SLAFTER. Witnesses:

T. J. ELLIs, AZARIAH ELLIs. 

